Cardiac Care

Electrophysiology Studies
Electrophysiology, or EP, studies help physicians determine your specific type of heart rhythm disturbance (abnormality in the speed or pattern of your heartbeat).

During the EP study, one or more small flexible tubes, or electrode catheters, are inserted in the groin or neck veins and threaded into the heart. These catheters keep track of electrical activity in the heart, track where and when these electrical signals begin and how often they are sent. The electrode catheter can also send electrical signals to stimulate the heart. If these signals cause an abnormal heart rhythm, or an arrhythmia, medications can be administered through an IV line to see if they can stop or prevent the arrhythmia from occurring. Arrhythmias also can be stopped using electrode catheters to regulate or pace the heartbeat. In some cases an electric shock, or defibrillation, is used to stop the arrhythmia.